Mariano Rivera throws out the first pitch before Game 3 at Yankee Stadium. / Robert Deutsch, USA TODAY Sports

by John Perrotto, Special for USA TODAY

by John Perrotto, Special for USA TODAY

NEW YORK -- In a symmetrical way, it was only fitting that Mariano Rivera threw out the ceremonial first pitch before the New York Yankees' first home game of the postseason Wednesday night as they faced the Baltimore Orioles in Game 3 of the American League Division Series at Yankee Stadium.

Yankees fans were loud as the stadium speakers blared his entrance song Enter Sandman.

The injured closer has certainly thrown a lot of last pitches for the Yankees during his 18-year career. He holds the major-league career saves record with 608 and his 892 games finished are also the most in baseball history.

Rivera was lost for the season after he tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee May 4 while shagging fly balls during batting practice before a game at Kansas City.

Rivera had contemplated retirement during spring training. However, the 42-year-old says he will return to pitch in 2013.